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CO2 inflators are a convenient and fast way to inflate your bike tyres on the road. Unlike traditional pumps, CO2 canisters use pressurised carbon dioxide gas to fill your tubes in seconds. They are small, lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for racing or commuting.
However, CO2 canisters also have some drawbacks. They are single-use and disposable, which can be costly and wasteful in the long run. They also lose pressure faster than air, so you may need to top up your tyres more often. And they can be very cold when discharged, so you must protect your hands and valves from frostbite.
How to Choose a CO2 Inflator
If you're interested in using CO2 canisters for your bike, here are some things to look for:
The head: This part attaches to your valve stem and controls the gas flow. Some heads have a trigger or a button that lets you regulate how much CO2 you release. Others have a twist-on mechanism that requires you to screw the canister onto the head until it punctures and inflates. Look for a head compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves and with a good seal to prevent leaks.
The cartridge: This is the metal cylinder that contains the CO2 gas. They come in different sizes, usually 12g, 16g or 20g. The larger the cartridge, the more gas it holds and the more pressure it can deliver. However, larger cartridges also weigh more and take up more space in your saddle bag or jersey pocket. A 16g cartridge can inflate a road tyre to about 100 psi (6.9 bar), while a 20g cartridge can reach about 120 psi (8.3 bar).
The insulation: As mentioned earlier, CO2 canisters get very cold when they release their gas. This can cause frostbite on your skin or damage your valve cores if they freeze up. To avoid this problem, look for a CO2 inflator with an insulation sleeve or wrap covering the cartridge when in use. Alternatively, you can use a glove or a cloth to hold the canister while inflating.
You can find a range of CO2 inflators and cartridges at BikeExchange. The best brands include Pro Bike Tool, Lezyne, Muc-Off, Birzman, Genuine Innovations and Blackburn.
